In a landmark ruling that has reverberated through the West Coast community, the Western Cape High Court has found Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, and friend Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn guilty of kidnapping and trafficking six-year-old Joshlin Smith. Judge Nathan Erasmus delivered the verdict amidst heightened emotions and public interest, bringing closure to a tragic case that has captured national attention.
The court’s ruling, announced on Friday at the White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville, confirms that young Joshlin, who was reported missing from her Middelpos home on February 19, 2024, was subjected to a harrowing ordeal that inhibited her freedom of movement. Judge Erasmus highlighted that the circumstances of her captivity amounted to kidnapping, stating, “Her freedom of movement was inhibited. Which constitutes kidnapping.” Furthermore, the court established that there were payments made or promises of payments, effectively treating Joshlin as a commodity instead of a child.
Judge Erasmus remarked, “Reducing a person by any means to a state of submitting to the control of another person… These factors satisfy the elements of count two,” underscoring the severity of the offences committed against the young girl.
The evidence presented during the trial included crucial testimonies from State witness Lourentia ‘Renz’ Lombaard, who bravely spoke out against the accused, providing key insights that ultimately led to this significant conviction. The months-long investigation that preceded the trial saw extensive community engagement, leading to a large-scale manhunt that fortunately ended with the recovery of Joshlin and the arrest of the trio.
As the verdict was delivered, supporters of Joshlin’s family gathered outside the courthouse, emotions running high. Many could be seen holding back tears, while others expressed their relief at the outcome, applauding the ruling as a crucial step toward justice for the young victim and her family.
With the trio now remanded in custody, sentencing proceedings will follow on May 9, bringing further anticipation as the community and the nation await the consequences of their actions.